1
as in backdrop
the physical conditions or features that form the setting against which something is viewed they got married on a mountain top with the sunset as background

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2
as in setting
the place and time in which the action for a portion of a dramatic work (as a movie) is set the background of that movie is the World War II era

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How is the word background distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of background are environment, milieu, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

Where would environment be a reasonable alternative to background?

While the synonyms environment and background are close in meaning, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

When is it sensible to use milieu instead of background?

The synonyms milieu and background are sometimes interchangeable, but milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of background?

Although the words mise-en-scène and background have much in common, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When could setting be used to replace background?

The meanings of setting and background largely overlap; however, setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of background Season 1 also briefly looked into Franks' background with flashbacks to his younger self. Caroline Blair, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Add the Sonos Ace headphones to your aural arsenal for $100 less and surround your ears with lush, balanced audio and whisper-quiet ANC to hush bothersome background banter. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 In the early days of RP, when the mode was less well-known, that chance to socialize often meant that people with vastly different ideological and cultural backgrounds would play together. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025 For Ruhle, who frequently covers business and economics given her background as a financial reporter, the cuts are part and parcel of the sweeping tariffs announced earlier this month as part of an effort to reshape the economy. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for background
Recent Examples of Synonyms for background
Noun
  • At the same time, Tujunga locals — who relish their relative isolation living against the rugged backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains — say they are tormented by the noise, vibrations and dust caused by the hauling trucks, which traverse along homes in this semirural area.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Against that backdrop, there was no chance of Saturday passing off quietly and by the time extra-time ended, Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Vasquez and Jude Bellingham had all been sent off.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Photographers, videographers and designers can boost their productivity by using a combination of the keypad and dial pad to turbocharge controls and settings in their favorite software.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Some tips for helping to protect your hair while heat styling include: Use low or medium heat settings.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Authorities have said the death toll could have been higher after law enforcement recovered two explosive devices hidden in coolers near the scene.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • And just a wonderful actress, a wonderful scene partner.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Background.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/background. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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